All About Cork: President Higgins sends message to Mayfield school

President Higgins adds to Mayfield school anniversary

President Michael D. Higgins has sent his regards to the students of Mayfield Community School, saying that he hopes someday they will remember their time there with gratitude and affection.

Not only for the lessons learned, the President added, but the friendships forged and sense of belonging and community that school days bring.

Mr Higgins made the comments in a special message marking the 50th anniversary of the school.

“In celebrating this wonderful milestone, 50 years of valuable contributions to the development of generations of young people who have gone on to subsequently make their own mark in society, playing their part in the crafting of our shared, inclusive future,” the President said. 

As you mark this anniversary, may I wish all the pupils and staff of Mayfield Community School, past and present, and all those who contribute to the life of the school, a most enjoyable celebration and every success in your future endeavours.

The message from President Higgins has been included in a specially created publication to mark the school’s golden anniversary.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also contributed to the publication.

“For half a century, Mayfield Community School has been an enormously positive presence in the heart of our city’s northside, educating generations of young minds and supporting wider community development,” the Tánaiste said.

“Congratulations to Mayfield Community School on your first five decades of teaching and learning, and good luck for the next five,” he added.

Principal Kieran Golden also thanked students and their families “for being part of our story”.

He said that in “respecting our past, we continue to build towards our future” and added that the school looks forward to starting its extension with the construction of two additional classrooms.

“Our successful application for this additional accommodation is testament from the Department of Education & Skills to the excellent work that happens in our classrooms and in our school every day.

Our students are at the heart of what we do and deserve the very best, and we will do everything we can to ensure that they will get the best that there is.

A host of events have taken place in recent weeks to mark the occasion, including a reception for the very first class of 1973, a tree-planting ceremony and a gathering which was open to all past pupils of the school.

Exercise for vision-impaired

Vision Sports Ireland and Cork Sports Partnership have announced a new, vision-impaired, Start to Move programme in Cork.

The six-week introductory exercise programme is aimed at adults with a vision impairment who are looking to return to physical activity, to begin exercising or try something new.

Programme participants will have an opportunity to try a variety of different exercises and movements under the guidance of a coach in a safe exercise space.

The programme begins at Mayfield Sports Complex tomorrow, May 14 at 3pm.

To register see corksports.ie

Credit Union elevated

Glanmire & District Credit Union and Douglas Credit Union are to be known as Elevate Credit Union following their amalgamation earlier this year.

The new name was officially unveiled by Michael McGrath, the finance minister, at a recent event. The name had been proposed by Jimmy Harte, a transition year student at Rochestown College.

Explaining his choice, Jimmy stated: Elevate represents progress and reaching higher aspirations. With the amalgamation of credit unions, they are striving for improvement and aiming to achieve new heights with their goals and objectives.

It was chosen from three shortlisted names due to its positive connotations, modern appeal, and alignment with the union’s strategic vision and aspirations for the future.

Feel the light in Mayfield

New lighting has been installed at Our Lady Crowned Church Mayfield.

It is hoped that the new lighting will make a “big difference” for parishioners.

“We thank you, the parishioners and worshipping community, for your very generous financial contributions when we have our maintenance collections,” a parish spokesperson said.

Decision due for expansion

A decision is due this month on plans to develop 42 residential units at The Former Cope Foundation Residential Facility (formerly known as Honan Home).

Pontorac Limited is seeking permission for the demolition of rear and side annexes, and the construction of three rear extensions to the former Honan Home at Lovers Walk.

It is also seeking permission for the conservation and internal reconfiguration of the former Honan Home to provide 10 residential units consisting of three townhouse units and seven apartments.

Permission for the extension and conversion of the existing gate lodge to one residential unit, as well as for the conservation, alterations and construction of a rear extension to the existing tank house to provide two semi-detached units, is also sought.

Finally, the applicant is seeking permission for the construction of 29 residential units consisting of 27 townhouses and two duplex/apartment units as well as associated works.

A decision is expected before May 27.

Have Mayfield news you want to share?

Contact Mary Corcoran here.